Coal train debate must utilize facts

The coal train controversy would make more sense if the opponents would deal with facts rather than conjecture.

Nate Holland’s epistle of Aug. 3, 2013, starts off stating, “every day more than 50, mile-and-a-half long trains, laden with Powder River coal will travel from Wyoming and Montana thundering through hundreds of rural towns to ports in the Pacific Northwest …”

He seems to ignore the fact that the 50 loaded trains becomes 100 trains a day since the cars must return to the point of origin for reload. How can a rail system nearing capacity at the current 60 plus trains a day handle the added 100 trains? He might also check the maps of the potentially affected states and current atlas would show that the number towns along the route from the mines to the export terminals to be closer to 80.

A similar check would reveal that there are only about 12 miles of track where a derailment could potentially spill coal into Lake Pend Oreille and not the 30 miles he claims. And where are the air sampling stations along the route to substantiate the claim of, “open rail cars spill and spew dust …”

To Mr. Holland and his handlers, I suggest you come up with scientifically reproducible evidence before offering your opinions as fact. Otherwise keep your opinions to yourself.

RICHARD F. CREED

Sagle